Ohrid (MKD)

FORTE CULTURA Station: Samuel's Fortress Ohrid (MKD)

Fortress of Tsar Samuel

Medieval fortress in the unique UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site of the Lake Ohrid region

Between 992 and 1018, Ohrid was on the rise as the seat of Samuel's empire. Tsar Samuel extended the former medieval palace and the city walls during his reign. The "Fortress of Tsar Samuel", as the citadel is usually called today, is located on the highest point of the city of Ohrid, the city hill Gorni Saraj, and was part of the fortifications that surrounded the entire city at the time. The fortified complex of Samuel's Fortress and city walls had around 20 wall and gate towers as well as city and fortress gates and is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Macedonia. The former citadel of the fortified town of Ohrid with the ruins of the palace and barracks have been preserved.

Today, the fortress is a popular destination for tourists as it offers a far-reaching panoramic view of the city of Ohrid, Lake Ohrid and the Galicica Mountains National Park. The Ohrid Lake region has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a World Natural Heritage Site. The region offers a unique landscape and fauna in the border region between North Macedonia and Albania.